South Korea’s National Tax Service Advances on Cryptocurrency Oversight with Integrated Management System

South Korea’s National Tax Service (NTS) has taken a significant step forward by initiating the development of an ‘Integrated Cryptocurrency Management System.’ Aimed at bolstering tax compliance and combating evasion, the system is scheduled for completion in 2025.

The move comes at a time when Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have seen a resurgence in market interest, with Bitcoin reaching a record high of $69,000 in November 2021. The investment in cryptocurrencies has surged, particularly following the approval of a Bitcoin spot ETF in the United States, which has fueled a rapid increase in cryptocurrency investments.

To address the regulatory challenges posed by the anonymity and decentralization inherent in cryptocurrency transactions, the NTS has chosen GtiC as the leading consultant for the preliminary phase of the system’s construction. The system will analyze and manage transactional information collected under the mandate that obligates virtual asset service providers to report their transaction details.

The push for a comprehensive system to monitor virtual asset transactions is driven by the increasing prevalence of money laundering, unconventional inheritance and gift transfers, and offshore tax evasion associated with cryptocurrency dealings. Although virtual asset service providers have been obligated to report transaction data following amendments to the Corporate Tax Act and Income Tax Act, there has been an absence of an adequate system to analyze and manage this information.

By establishing the ‘Integrated Cryptocurrency Management System,’ the NTS aims to prevent tax evasion using cryptocurrencies and ensure fair taxation. This initiative aligns with the global trend of increasing regulatory scrutiny over virtual assets. According to a report by PwC, the European Union is in the process of establishing market regulations for virtual assets, and the United States has introduced new tax reporting requirements for cryptocurrencies. These regulatory efforts are based on recommendations from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and aim to maintain the transparency and order of financial markets, prevent crimes and misuse, and protect investors.

The NTS’s system is expected to increase the transparency of cryptocurrency transactions, aiding in the prevention of tax evasion and the realization of fair taxation. As the world increasingly moves towards a regulated cryptocurrency environment, South Korea’s proactive steps in this direction are a noteworthy development in the global financial landscape.

The news of South Korea’s tax authority developing an ‘Integrated Cryptocurrency Management System’ is a testament to the country’s commitment to adapting to the evolving financial ecosystem and maintaining compliance with international standards.

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